Hip arthritis can cause chronic pain and disability. If you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis, know that early treatment often results in greater quality of life. If diagnosed early, hip arthritis may be treated with and respond well to conservative methods. The goal of which is to slow the progression of the disease and preserve the hip joint.
It may surprise you to know that many patients with hip arthritis do not know they have had the condition for quite a while now, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to successfully managing arthritis. People at high risk of developing hip arthritis include those who are elderly, overweight or obese, have structural problems of the hip, or a history of hip injuries.
Signs and Symptoms of Hip Arthritis
It is possible for hip arthritis to affect both hip joints, but often, one joint has worse symptoms than the other. Look out for:
- Difficulty performing tasks that were part of your daily routine. An example of which is putting on your pants or socks and shoes. You need a normal range of motion in the hips to complete these simple, daily tasks. If you notice a growing difficulty in performing them, you may have hip arthritis. In its earliest stages, hip arthritis may not even cause pain, but people report difficulty with daily tasks, such as going up and downstairs and getting in and out of a car.
- Pain in the groin area that radiates to your buttocks, thighs, and knees. It may be difficult to cross your legs.
- Pain that worsens in the morning and with inactivity. Hip arthritis often causes stiffness due to bones rubbing against each other and the synovial fluid becoming less viscous, which is common with hip osteoarthritis.
- Pain that worsens after vigorous physical activity. While arthritis patients are encouraged to move, they may experience a worsening of symptoms after walking long distances, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time.
- Limping or difficulty walking is a result of pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion. Arthritis can be disabling, and people who have it may begin to limp as they experience greater pain and loss of normal joint function.
- Locking of the hip joint and grinding noises during moving are common symptoms of hip arthritis and are caused by loose fragments that interfere with the smooth motion of the joint.
Hip Arthritis Treatment in North Dakota
If you are experiencing symptoms of hip arthritis, the best thing you can do is make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Do not prolong the pain – get the treatment you need. Our highly qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeons Dr. Timothy J. Bopp and Dr. Brian P. Dahl specialize in treating the hip. Call The Bone & Joint Center at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 to schedule an appointment or use our online request form. New patients can visit this page for more information.
